Here’s What Other Learners from Hawaii are Saying:

"This website is so much easier to study. Not only that even though you have wrong answers it’ll highlight the right answers and at the bottom it explains why. I did the first 2 last year which I failed both and twice this year. This 4th time around I got it and passed the test. 4 out of 40 questions."

Maria Vanessa Huth, Hawaii

"My driver’s written exam consisted of 30 questions. I took the test yesterday and passed. It is tricky in some places. If you don’t study, you won’t pass. I pointed out to the examiner lady that one of the speed limit numbers was switched; in comparing the book question with the test question. She laughed and told me to pay my 5 dollars for passing the test. The more you fail, the more money the state makes. Study the book and do the online quizzes."

Sam Iam, Hawaii

"I just moved to Hilo from California and I have not taken a written test in 27 years! Some of the rules have changed, and some of Hawaii’s rules are a bit different than California, so the tests were helpful in helping me prepare for the DMV test. I read through the 140 page handbook, but taking repetitive tests was far easier. I took the test in the handbook, all 170+ questions only to find out they don’t give you the answers, you have to look each one up! This is WAY easier as you can go back to the questions you miss and try them again. Practice makes perfect!"

Laura Owens, Hilo, Hawaii

How Can I Apply for my HI Driver’s License? Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to bring me for my written test in Hawaii?

It’s best your parent(s) bring you because they have to sign your application. If they are unable to bring you there are other options. You can have them sign your application in front of a notary public and then have a licensed driver 21 or older bring you.

Are physicals necessary when getting a license in Hawaii?

No. A physical isn’t necessary when getting a license in Hawaii.

Why do I need a vision test in order to get my Hawaii license?

A vision test ensures that you are able to see and drive safely on the road. This is for the benefit of you and other drivers.

Where should I go for my driver’s license picture in Hawaii?

You will have your picture taken at the DMV office once you pass. Be sure to wear a nice shirt/ blouse and comb your hair, you want to look your best.

How do I apply for my Hawaii license?

The first step in applying for your Hawaii license is getting a Hawaii learner’s permit. In order to get your learner’s permit, you must first be:

At least 15 ½ years old

Able to supply proof of ID

Able to give proof of Social Security Number

Able to provide proof of US Legal Presence

What’s the next step after I apply for my Hawaii driver’s license?

If you are between the age of 16 and 18, your next step is to get your provisional license.

You will have to hold your permit for at least 180 days before applying of your provisional license.

You will need to take a state certified driver’s education course with a total of 30 classroom hours and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

You will need to get an additional 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice from a licensed driver age 21 or older.

How Can I Get Ready for my HI Permit Test? Frequently Asked Questions

How do I study for the Hawaii permit test?

Begin by studying the Hawaii Driver’s Manual. You can’t go wrong there. Everything you need to know for the permit test will be in manual. Be sure to check out the end of the manual. It has a long list of study questions that will give you additional help.

What kind of driver’s education should I have when getting my license in Hawaii?

If you are under 18, you will need to complete a state certified driver’s education course with a total of 30 classroom hours and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. You will also need to get an additional 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice from a licensed driver age 21 or older.

Where can I find a Hawaii driver’s manual?

You can get a manual from many retail locations and DMV offices for about $5. You can also download it online for FREE.

Is it necessary to read the entire Hawaii driver’s manual for the permit test?

If you would like to increase your chances of passing then yes you should read the entire manual. The chapters will cover things you need to know such as:

What can I do the night before the Hawaii permit test?

There’s so much you can do the night before your Hawaii permit test such as:

Review your manual again

Take some practice tests

Gather necessary documents

What’s the average number of people who pass their Hawaii permit test the first time?

Although there are no exact figures, many drivers’ license instructors agree that those who took the time to study had a much better chance at passing.

What ways can I tell that I’m ready for the Hawaii permit test?

You will know that you are ready for your permit test when you …..

Have read the entire manual

Know all of the road signs

Can pass practice tests with ease.

What should I do once I’m ready for my Hawaii permit test?

So, you think you’re ready to take your Hawaii permit test. Once you have prepared and armed yourself with the knowledge you need to ACE your exam, you should gather your necessary documents and go to your local DMV office.

What documents should I have when I go to take my Hawaii permit test?

What’s the cost of a Hawaii permit?

An original permit costs between $5 and $10 depending on which county you are in. The written test costs $2.

Should my parents bring me for my Hawaii written test?

It’s a good idea for your parent(s) to bring you because they must sign your application. If they are unable to bring you, they may sign your application in front of a notary. Then a licensed driver 21 or older may bring you.

When taking the Hawaii permit test, what do I need to know in order to pass?

How many questions are there on the Hawaii permit test?

There are 30 questions on the test. In order to pass, you have to score at least 25 correctly.

How will I know if I’ve passed the Hawaii permit test?

The permit test is computerized. Once you are finished, it will let you know if you have passed or not. You must get 25 out of 30 questions correct.

How many questions am I allowed to get wrong on the Hawaii written test?

Don’t miss more than 5 questions. You must answer at least 25 questions out of 30 correctly.

Are there any common mistakes made on the Hawaii permit test?

The most common mistake is not studying. People tend to think they can guess or “common sense” their way through it. Although some questions may seem like common sense, many questions are very technical and require prior studying.

Will I be allowed to use the manual on the Hawaii permit test?

No. You are not allowed to use the manual on the Hawaii permit test.

Will I have to have a drug test when getting a permit in Hawaii?

No. You don’t need a drug test in order to get a permit in Hawaii.

Where can I see some feedback from people who have already passed their Hawaii permit test?

Please see any of our practice tests – below each of them there is a Facebook comments section. Those comments were written by real people who had taken and/or passed the actual Hawaii permit test.

What happens if I fail the Hawaii permit test?

You won’t get your permit and you will have to wait 7 days before you can retake it. You must pay the $2 fee each time.

Can I retake the Hawaii permit test if I fail?

Yes. You will have to wait at least 7 days before taking it again.

Who is allowed in the car with me if I only have a Hawaii permit?

Your supervising licensed driver 21 or older must be in the car with you at all times.

What restrictions will be on my Hawaii license after I get it?

Here are the restrictions that will be on your Hawaii license if you are between 16 and 18:

Only 1 passenger under the age of 18 can be in the car with you.

You cannot drive without a licensed parent or guardian between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Any traffic citations will result in your license being suspended or possibly revoked for up to one year.

May I drive anywhere in Hawaii with a learner’s permit?

Yes, as long as you are with a licensed driver age 21 or older. If you’re driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., only your parent or legal guardian can be in the passenger seat.

After I pass my Hawaii permit test, what happens?

Great! Now that that is out of the way, you are ready to prepare for your road test. If you are under 18, you will need to hold your permit for at least 180 days. You will need to also:

Complete 30 hours of classroom driver education with a minimum of 6 hours behind the wheel.

Complete a minimum of 50 hours of drive time (10 hours must be done at night).

Getting Ready for Your Hawaii Road Test: FAQ

What is the smartest way to prepare for the Hawaii road test?

First, you should enroll yourself in a driver’s training course. Your instructor will help you prepare for your road test properly. When you are practicing with your supervising licensed driver, you should be doing things like:

Backing up – Avoid crossing a roadway and crosswalk, be sure to observe in front of you

Entering traffic – Be sure that your lane is clear

Driving through Roundabouts- Remember to use your right signal when exiting the roundabout

And More

Where’s the best place to practice for the Hawaii road test?

Your instructor will guide you on the best places to practice. Ideally, you should begin in a familiar area with little traffic. You should then gradually drive in busier areas. Before you take your road test, you should’ve had plenty of practice in residential neighborhoods, business districts and on freeways.

Where can I find a driving school in Hawaii?

Where is the easiest DMV office to take my Hawaii road test?

Each location has its pros and cons. Many disgruntled applicants say that the worst place is the Kalihi-Kapalama location.

What should I bring with me on the day of the Hawaii driving exam?

On the day of your exam be sure to have a(n):

Current and valid Hawaii instructional permit

Licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older

Properly functioning vehicle

Current vehicle Certificate of Registration

Current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card

Original State of Hawaii Driver Education Certificates of Completion for BOTH classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction (if under 18)

What kind of things will I be expected to do on the Hawaii road test?

You may have to drive through a business district, railroad crossing, and tunnel. When driving be sure that you keep up with the speed of traffic in a safe and skillful manner. The examiner will look at your ability to:

Notice driving conditions

Judge when to pass and when not to pass

Handle heavy traffic

Drive on divided highways

Is there anything I should do the night before the Hawaii road test?

Practice one last time, ensure you have all that you need and relax.

Do I need to schedule a road test in Hawaii?

Each county has its own way of issuing road tests. Some counties and locations give road tests on a first come first serve basis. Other places require an appointment.

For the County of Maui, schedule your road test by calling (808) 270-8080 beginning at 8:00 a.m. one work day prior to the day you want to take your road test.

For the County of Honolulu, schedule an appointment here. The written and road test hours are Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where should I go for my Hawaii driving test?

When the time comes for you to take your road test, you will go to a local DMV office. Depending on your location, you may have to schedule an appointment. If you schedule an appointment, you will know exactly which location you will test at.

Will the Hawaii DMV office supply me with a car for the road test?

No. You have to supply your own car. You should have a properly working vehicle with a safety inspection sticker and a no-fault insurance card.

What is going to happen after I pass my Hawaii road test?

Great job on passing your road test! You are now a licensed driver. Once you pass, you will be issued your driver’s license.

Will there be any limitations on my Hawaii driver’s license after I get it?

If you are under 18, you will receive your provisional license. With that license:

You can only have 1person under 18 in the car with you.

You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless your parent or legal guardian is with you. There are exceptions such as for school or work related reasons.

Is there anything I should keep in mind when driving in Hawaii for the first time?

When driving in Hawaii for the first time, remember these things:

Some areas have steep cliffs and sharp curves.

Be watchful of other drivers – there are several drivers on the road including Hawaiians, foreigners and mainlanders.

Always keep up with the speed of traffic in order to avoid being rear ended.

What is the best type of car insurance to get in Hawaii?

Hawaii is considered a “no-fault state”. Here’s the minimum amount of coverage you must carry:

Bodily Injury Liability Per Person: $20,000

Bodily Injury Liability Per Accident: $40,000

Property Damage Liability: $10,000

Personal Injury Protection: $10,000

Do I need to supply anything in order to get car insurance in Hawaii?

Yes, you will need to supply information on the car such as the make, model, year and average commute time. Many insurance companies will want your credit report, address, and driver’s license number.

How much is car insurance in Hawaii?

There’s no one definite answer to this question. Hawaii’s car insurance rates vary by county, car class, person and violations. Rates can be as high as $1400 a year to as low as $199 a year. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average price of car insurance in Hawaii is $786. This is close to the national average of $785.

Where can I find the cheapest car insurance in Hawaii?

Here are the best car insurance companies on average in Hawaii:

AAA

Allstate

MetLife

The Hartford

GMAC

State Farm

Why does car insurance cost more with a new license in Hawaii?

Actually, Hawaii’s insurance rates are very reasonable for new drivers compared to other states. Companies such as AAA ensure that car insurance remains affordable for young drivers.

When can I retake the Hawaii road test if I fail?

You must wait at least 7 days before you can take again.

If I fail my Hawaii road test, what happens?

Hawaii’s drivers are the least knowledgeable about the rules of the road, according to a study done by GMAC insurance. This is believed to be the reason why many Hawaiian drivers fail their road test the first time. If you happen to fail your road test, you must wait at least 7 days to take it again. If you are testing at a location where an appointment must be made, you have to wait until another available spot is open.

Say “Aloha” to your Hawaii driver’s permit when you study for the exam using the following resources! This page provides potential drivers with all tools they need to ace Hawaii’s driver’s permit and motorcycle permit exams. Below you will find the official online HI Driver’s Handbook, HI Motorcycle Handbook, and HI License Guide. You will also find 5 FREE practice tests plus a motorcycle permit practice test that will reliably measure your knowledge of the information on the Hawaii exams. This page has everything you need to pass the exam with flying colors. Take advantage of these free resources and get ready to hit the road!